The Cederberg, Western Cape

The Cederberg Mountains are home to dramatic sandstone formations like the Maltese Cross and rich plant and animal life. These mountains are a great destination for rock climbers, hikers and those interested in rock art.

Did you know?

The Sneeuberg ('snow mountain') is 2026 metres high.

The Cederberg Mountains are noted for their dramatic, wind-carved sandstone formations like the Maltese Cross and the Wolfberg Arch, as well as San rock paintings.

The range is situated near Clanwilliam about 200km from Cape Town. The area offers plenty of space and tranquility, as well as activities ranging from rock climbing, to swimming in rock pools, visiting a rooibos tea farm and viewing ancient San rock paintings.

The 71 000ha Cederberg Wilderness Reserve, proclaimed in 1973, includes the Cederberg Mountain range and is known for its abundant spring flowers and fertile valleys in the surrounding dry landscape, as well as rugged mountainous landscape.

Animal life includes dassies in rocky areas, small antelope like klipspringers and reedbuck and mountain zebras.

Leopards and caracal also inhabit the Cederberg while raptors float above scanning the grasslands for small rodents.

The mountain range has two peaks of note, Tafelberg, which is not to be confused with Table Mountain in Cape Town, and Sneeuberg, or snow mountain.

The former is also one of the most popular peaks for hiking along with the cliffs of Krakadouw.

The spectacular landscape and wide range of activities make the Cederberg Mountains well worth a visit. While visiting, you can also go wine tasting at the highest wine estate in South Africa – the Cederberg Cellars.

Travel tips & Planning info

Who to contact

How to get here

Best time to visit

Carpets of wild flowers bloom in in August to September, making a visit to the Cederberg Moutains in spring particularly rewarding, but the area is charming throughout the year.

Tours to do

Tours of ancient rock paintings of the San people, hiking amongst fynbos and dramatic rock formations, wine-tasting at the Cederberg Cellars, the highest wine estate in South Africa, and donkey cart rides through the mountains are on offer.

Get around

It's best to rent a car and drive yourself.

What to pack

Pack sturdy boots, warm clothes, binoculars and a camera for this spectaular experience.

Where to stay

There are a number of hotels (including the upmarket and award-winning Bushmans Kloof), camping sites and B&Bs in the area. Check with Cape Nature or Cape Town Tourism.

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